Low Sodium Pesto Chicken Melt

Indulge in the savory delight of the Low Sodium Pesto Chicken Melt, a healthier twist on a classic comfort food favorite. This recipe combines tender, pan-seared chicken breasts with a vibrant homemade pesto made from fresh basil, unsalted walnuts, garlic, and a hint of zesty lemon juice—delivering bold flavors with minimal sodium. Topped with gooey melted mozzarella and served on toasted whole grain bread, this sandwich strikes the perfect balance between wholesome ingredients and indulgent satisfaction. Ready in just 35 minutes, it's an easy yet impressive choice for lunch or dinner that won't compromise on taste or nutrition.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup unsalted walnuts
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese
• 4 slices whole grain sandwich bread

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

Step 2

Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet.

Step 3

Season the chicken breasts with black pepper and drizzle a little olive oil over them.

Step 4

In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, unsalted walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, lemon juice, black pepper, and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Step 5

Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

Step 6

Place the cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with foil.

Step 7

Spread a generous amount of the homemade pesto over each chicken breast.

Step 8

Evenly distribute mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto-covered chicken.

Step 9

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 10

While the chicken is baking, lightly toast the whole grain sandwich bread slices.

Step 11

Once the cheese is melted, remove the chicken from the oven.

Step 12

Assemble the sandwich by placing each chicken melt onto a slice of toasted bread, topping with the remaining slice.

Step 13

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious low sodium pesto chicken melts.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(667.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1801.8

Total Fat 109.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g
Cholesterol 354.8mg	0%
Sodium 1334.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 59.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.0g	0%
Total Sugars 10.2g
Protein 148.8g	0%

Vitamin D 26.4IU	0%
Calcium 923.4mg	0%
Iron 9.5mg	0%
Potassium 1359.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.3%

Protein: 32.7%

Carbs: 13.0%